19-0…what more can I say??? That record means that I’m almost as good as the AA Gladiators…but I’ve done it in AAA…Either way, this week appears like an easy pick’em week and so I expect to be 23-0 by the time the final whistle blows on Saturday Night.Once again, due to the location of teams and the scheduling I get to attend ANOTHER double-header at Granger High School.I think Granger Highschool Athletics should name one of their annual awards after me considering how much money I’ve spent at the concession truck so far this season…fundraising at its finest…now onto the predictions!!!
Shock @ Stampede
The Shock are coming off of another big win and they achieved it in admirable fashion as for the first time since the 2007 season they had someone else taking all the snaps under center.Even without their leader, the Shock was able to amass almost 400 yards in total offense against a depleted, yet strong Spartans squad.The Stampede took the week off and hopefully took some time to come up with some type of defensive strategy to contain the Shocks high powered offense.With the return of J.Kjar the Stampede need to play their best if they have any hope of pulling off the upset.In their last game, Logan did show signs of improvement on the offensive side of the ball as they scored their season high (22 points) albeit in a loss against the two-time defending champs.The increase in offensive production will directly help the Stampedes defense as they won’t have all the pressure on them of stopping every drive.While the Shock’s defense has put up impressive numbers so far (2nd in points against per game) they have shown to be susceptible to giving up the big pass play (especially on the opposite side of Barawis).With Jenkins scrambling around I foresee Logan making this game interesting.The question will be how their defense tries to slow down the #1 rated offense in the league…While I think the Stampede are on the “up-and-up” the Shock’s O is just too powerful as they win a barn-burner…Shock 38 Stampede 28
Bulldawgs @ Revolution
Magic Valley secured its first win last week while the Revolution took an old school beating at the hands of the Stealth.The Bulldawgs now have to suit up and travel south again to take on a Revolution club in search of their mojo.The Rev have struggled on offense and defense so far this year and seem to be having an identity crisis.Who do they depend on to make the big play when they need it most???Magic Valley benefited from the return of their fearless leader in Landrian and will be hoping to contain the Rev long enough to keep the game interesting.The difference is that while Magic Valley may have won a game last week, it was versus a team that the Revolution had just traveled 9 hours to play the week prior and smashed by 30 points.While the Bulldawgs received a higher grade in my mid-season reports, Wasatch is simply a much better team.My prediction is that they get back to the basics on offense (feeding Paloa and then finding Lang in the flats or Jensen over the middle…mix in a little Mr. Bigplay and you’ll find success).This offensive resurgence will allow the defense to get some swagger back as they’ll be able to take chances and make things happen.The defense scores at least once this week as they try to reestablish their dominance on a lesser team.Revolution 41 Bulldawgs 9
Stealth @ Mudducks
The Stealth are surging while the Mudducks are still trying to secure their first victory.In their last two games, the Mudducks have been outscored 89-34…and it wasn’t even that close in either of the games…The Stealth are still figuring out exactly what mix of pass and run works best for their team.Their mammoth offensive line is becoming more acquainted and comfortable with each other which is allowing Wissler to process the play and find the homerun.There’s no doubt that the Mudducks will come prepared and will do their best to make it interesting.I even foresee them breaking a big play or two as the Stealth’s defense becomes carefree after building a big lead.But two big plays aren’t going to be enough to even make this game exciting.The Stealth have learned from their week 3 stumble and are determined to let every AAA team know that they fully expect to be playing on June 30th.The Stealth win easily and start preparing for the battle down south next week, while the Mudducks keep their eyes set on a June 2nd matchup that may grant them their first win…Stealth 36 Mudducks 13
Gladiators vs Rebels (NEUTRAL SITE) **GAME OF THE WEEK**
Let me begin by stating that this will unequivocally be the most lopsided “GOW” yet as these two teams are separated by more talent than they are geographical miles…All the talk in seasons past about the “second best team in the RMFL” has already been put to rest by two (at home) beat downs by two of the AAA elites.Now the Rebels have an opportunity to lay to rest any questions about the difference in top talent between the two leagues.The Rebels should travel well as they have had 40+ at all of their road games thus far and this one has been circled on the calendar since mid-February.The Gladiators are coming off of a close loss to the perennial cellar-dweller in AAA and now have to face off against an offensive attack that leads the league in yards/game.The biggest foe for the Rebels this week will be the infamous “Astroturf” they’ll be running on, and by running I mean running all over for A LOT of yards and points…The Gladiators will take their beating quietly and return to the formerly friendly confines of Great Falls and check off another game in their quest to return to AA.Rebels 49 Gladiators 0
Well there you go, another week of nothing but expected perfection.Best of luck to EVERYONE playing this week.Hopefully there are no serious injuries (or staff infections) and everyone can suit up again for their next respective game.Be safe in your travels (Great Falls, Dixe, Magic Valley, Shock) and remember that almost everyone has to return to work on Monday so keep the game clean and fun in between the whistles…
